Southern CrossvsCentennial

Southern Cross and Centennial are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Southern Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.2–2 mL

New Zealand

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Cross

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Centennial

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

PineCitrus

Only in Southern Cross

LemonLimeSpicyTropicalZest

Only in Centennial

FloralGrapefruitTangerine

Property

PropertySouthern CrossCentennial
Alpha acid11–14%7–12%
Beta acid5–7%3.5–5.5%
Co-humulone25–28%23–30%
Total oil1.2–2 mL1–3 mL
Myrcene31–55%55–65%
Humulene13–21%10–20%
Caryophyllene5–8%5–7%
Farnesene6–8%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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